Library Books

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30682, 23 February 1965, Page 12

Library Books

Sir, —I have before me a book, mutilated by a conscientious librarian. It is Frank Clune’s “Saga of Sydney,” 1962 edition. On the inside covers and adjacent pages is a most interesting copy of an 1836 map of Sydney, which I would have liked to be able to refer to as I read the book. However, it is mostly obliterated by a large sheet headed “date due,” and a card-holder, and the front and back flaps of the jacket cover which have been secured with adhesive tape. This is by no means an isolated case. Frequently genealogical tables are found inside the covers of historical biographies, and cannot be deciphered after the attentions of conscientious librarians. Since libraries are today the biggest customers of booksellers, I hope librarians will bring pressure to bear on the publishing houses, so that maps and other interesting data will not be placed on the inside covers of books. —Yours, etc., M. S. STARKY. Amberley, February 18, 1965.

[The Acting City Librarian (Mr J. E. D. Stringleman) replies: “I would be surprised if the book referred to belonged to the Canterbury Public Library. Our practice for many years, and that of most libraries, is to place pockets on the first blank pages of books which have printed information on the inside covers unless this information is repeated elsewhere in the books. Before being covered in plastic, book jackets are also specially cut and attached to avoid covering such information. If these;

simple practices were followed by all libraries there would be no call for pressure on the publishers.”]